SATURDAY will see the biggest anti-fascist demonstration in decades with the public urged to put on a united front against far-right mobs “whipping themselves into a frenzy” following the arrest of Tommy Robinson.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said it’s “time for the left to be resolute and determined in the face of racism” after the fascist, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was remanded in custody over an alleged terror offence today.

Thousands are set to join the counter-protest in London to show supporters of the former member of the British National Party and founder of the English Defence League does not speak for Britain.

In July, he called a demonstration that attracted a crowd of 20,000 and saw Islamophobic and racist chants followed by far-right riots across the country which were only stopped after counter-protests retook the streets.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Tommy Robinson and his band of thugs are not the voice of the working class.

“No-one elected him, he doesn’t represent anyone.

“I am proud to be part of the trade union bloc that does represent the real voice of the working class, the democratic voice and the anti-fascist voice.”

The counter-protest against Mr Robinson is organised by Stand Up to Racism and supported by organisations from across civil society including trade unions, faith groups, climate organisations and NGOs.

It will feature addresses by left MPs Diane Abbott, Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell and RMT general secretary Mick Lynch.

Stand Up to Racism co-convener Weyman Bennett said: “Fascist Tommy Robinson claims he has been remanded by the police.

“He will no doubt use this to whip his far-right supporters into a frenzy and they will use tomorrow’s protest to spread their hate, racism and Islamophobia.”

Fellow co-convener Sabby Dhalu urged the public to attend the counter-protest as his arrest will “galvanise his supporters tomorrow, as though he is some sort of martyr.”

She said the majority of people in Britain who abhor Mr Robinson and his supporters “needs to make its voice heard.”

Ms Abbott said: “The far right, the racists and the fascists want to divide us. But they represent a tiny minority.  

“We are the majority. We represent, white and black and brown, people of all faiths and none, united for a better society.”

Mr Corbyn added: “We will not defeat a politics of hatred without a politics of hope.

“It’s time for the left to be resolute and determined in the face of racism.

“We cannot pander to the far right. We cannot concede ground.”

Mr Robinson, 41, was today remanded in custody by police, charged with being in contempt of court following the airing of a film at a protest in central London.

He attended Folkestone Police station where he was separately charged with failing to provide his mobile phone pin to police under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, Kent Police said.

Mr Robinson is due to appear at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday for a two-day hearing concerning allegations he breached a 2021 High Court order barring him from repeating libellous allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him.

The counter-protest assembles at 11.30am at Piccadilly and will be marching to Whitehall, where it will be opposite the far-right march though separated by police lines.

Sir Keir Starmer has meanwhile acknowledged calls for Britain to pay reparations for its role in the slave trade while surrounded by Commonwealth leaders.

Today the Prime Minister said it was important to acknowledge a “hard” shared history, and that he understood the “strength of feeling” about reparations, as Downing Street ruled out non-financial reparations.

Black Activists Rising Against Cuts UK co-founder Zita Holbourne said: “It’s essential that we are united against all forms of fascism and racism.

“Racialised communities in the UK still face the adverse, disproportionate impacts on race grounds of austerity, the pandemic, and cost of living crisis.

“We need to see unity,  mobilisation, solidarity and mass action when we protest on these issues.”

United Family and Friends Campaign will also tomorrow hold its annual rally to call for justice for people whose lives have been lost at the hands of the state at midday at Trafalgar Square.